This blog is dedicated to sharing the concept that our hands are essential to learning- that we engage the world and its wonders, sensing and creating primarily through the agency of our hands. We abandon our children to education in boredom and intellectual escapism by failing to engage their hands in learning and making.

Saturday, May 08, 2010

Mom's dulcimer

For a craftsman, the death of a parent can bring a reunion with objects made in the past. The dulcimer shown above and below is one I made for my mother in 1977. She was very proud of it and played it in a dulcimer club in Omaha in the late 70's before her hearing became impaired and she lost her ability to participate in music. Today we are shipping it off to my nephew Logan, a musician in Portland. Logan told me it is the best gift he's received in his whole life. He played it when we gathered for my mother's memorial service, and for me to hear the dulcimer I made for my mother played in the hands of one of her two much loved grandsons was also a gift... one that I'm sure my mother would have enjoyed.

The dulcimer is made with walnut, spruce, a bit of ebony, copper inlay, and a touch of humor. But it would not have been made without the encouragement of my mother. I made a small number of dulcimers before becoming focused exclusively on boxes and furniture. All were rather unconventional like the one shown.

About Me

I have been a self-employed woodworker in Eureka Springs, Arkansas since 1976. I live with my wife Jean on a wooded hillside overlooking our beautiful historic community.
In addition to work in my wood shop, I teach children at the Clear Spring School in a program called "The Wisdom of the Hands." My 10th and 11th books, Tiny Boxes by Taunton Press and Making Classic Toys that Teach were published in November 2016. My most recent book is The Box Maker's Guitar Book published in 2017. I also write for Fine Woodworking, Woodcraft and other woodworking magazines.
My resume can be downloaded at
www.dougstowe.com/resume.doc